A New Tool In the Fight Against Breast Cancer

A tip of the mitt hospital is offering its patients some cutting edge technology that will help in the fight against breast cancer.

One breast cancer survivor says it has a lot to offer... including hope.

The story in tonight's special Buddy Check Report.

16 years ago Jean Boucher had her first mammogram. The diagnosis was anything but routine.

Boucher says "of course it was scary- you think cancer... it's a death sentence."

Her own family history with the disease was cause for concern and optimism.

Boucher says, "it was scary because my mom had breast cancer. She had two mastectomies, so I knew there was hope.

Boucher has been cancer free for 16 years. And she's working to keep it that way, never passing on her yearly mammogram. But this year it was a little different.

She says, "it was much better, more comfortable, quicker."

This year she had a digital mammogram, new to Cheboygan Memorial Hospital.

Not only do patients find it more comfortable, but it's also faster.

CMH Lead Radiologic Technologist Linda Ciarkowski says, "if there's something the radiologist is concerned with he can call the attending physician right away."

For all women, but especially breast cancer survivors like Jean, shortening the wait time for results can relieve a lot of anxiety. Even though she's been cancer free for years, one question weighs heavily after every mammogram.

Boucher says, "You wonder, 'is this going to be ok? Are they going to find anything again?'

For some women with denser breasts, the digital mammogram can sometimes find things before a traditional mammogram. But whether you get a traditional analog mammogram, or a digital one, a yearly mammogram after age 40 can be a life saving decision.

Ciarowski says, "We can see things 2 years before you can feel them. A mammogram along with self breast exam we have a very high cure rate for women with breast cancer."

Boucher says, "It feels really good, like you have hope."

While hope is priceless, research is expensive.  But folks in the Cheboygan area are putting on their walking shoes to help make a difference.

The Relay for Life is June 13-14th at the Cheboygan County Fairgrounds. The money raised will go toward breast cancer education, research and new treatments.